Konarka Technologies has been around for a while (created circa 2001) as a company that has been researching solar cells made almost entirely of plastic. Back in early May 2005, however, Konarka signed a deal with the U.S. Army (PDF) to produce solar cells that will be incorporated into their regular gear, thus lessening the need for soldiers to lug around rechargeable batteries or having to worry about where the next power outlet is coming from.
Since its initial deal with the US Army, it has raised additional venture capital (PDF) with other companies. The referenced article is dated 02-14-06, so it’s fairly recent. I’m not going to go into detail about this, since there’s plenty of information in the references.
This plastic solar cell technology is unique in that it is all plastic, and can have patterns (e.g., camoflauge) printed on it without reducing its power-production capabilities. It can also be transparent, and thus can be simply integrated into regular products such as cell phones or laptops, though at this time they are not selling any products to the general public. Best of all, these solar cells can be made using existing print-roll technology with a few modifications, and are low-cost because they are plastic.
Something else unique about this “power plastic” is that it purportedly can absorb wavelengths outside the normal range of its silicon counterparts – into the infrared, and possibly ultraviolet. However, Konarka’s webpage is a bit skimpy on specifics as to how efficient the cells are at absorbing light or what the actual range of wavelengths is that it can absorb (usually stated in nanometers). A bit disappointing that they don’t provide more details, but oh well..
My Prediction: will be in the market within 10-15 years – as with everything else I’ve been predicting lately, I guess.
I think the main roadblock is that this tech will be heavily patented and thus have high royalties – consequently raising the initial purchase price for consumers when it gets on the market.
It seems that the majority of the articles I’m reporting right now are somewhat old.. but the older articles will help me build up an itemized log of all the significant tech that’s coming in the next few years. I’m sure most of what is mentioned here will have news off and on..
